The latest novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to hit Vietnam in the buildup to the Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet, is striking a heavy blow to flower villages throughout Hanoi, with prices enduring a sharp decrease amid a lack of wholesale dealers.

In contrast to previous years, Tay Tuu village, the capital’s largest flower growing area, remains quiet with just one week to go before Tet. Many gardeners are very much on a knife edge as the coronavirus is spreading across the country.

Unlike previous years, this year gardeners have received few orders, many wholesale dealers have even asked for deposits to be refunded. Despite daisy flowers collected they are unable to be sold.

Tuong, a gardener working in Tay Tuu village, says travel restrictions imposed on various localities in coronavirus hotspots in Quang Ninh and Hai Duong have directly impacted flower villages in Hanoi as they are unable to sell flowers to neighbouring localities.

A bunch of roses cost between VND70,000 and VND80,000 (or approx.. US$3) before the fresh outbreak struck. Now the price has been halved to approximately VND40,000.

Bunches of flowers are collected and then put into the rubbish in Tay Tuu village.

Although Tay Tuu village is in the midst of its harvest season for Tet, many flowers remain on the shelf.

A few gardeners luckily sell large amounts of flowers.

Some traders are keen to visit the garden to purchase flowers at cheap prices.

Gardeners also bring their flowers to wet markets, hoping to earn a small profit.

Quang An flower market in Tay Ho district of Hanoi is still quiet, a scene that is vastly different from previous years.

The owner of a flower shop expresses sadness at the lack of customers.

A traditional flower market on Hang Luoc street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter remains deserted.

Few locals prepared for COVID-19 fears to impact Tet, with the atmosphere in the capital having a direct influence on flower gardeners and traders this year.

Photos: VOV.VN, Vietnamnet.vn